TEL SAID PHIL YOUR BOOTS IN SCOTLAND
GILMAR FERNANDEZ revealed Terry Butcher sold him on a return to Scotland – as a route into the Philippines squad.
The ex-Inverness Caley Thistle and Motherwell boss was put in charge of the national team last month, his first managerial gig in almost three years.
Gilmar is one of 17 players taking part in the Ultimate Soccer and Global FC exit trials being held in Largs to try to net a contract in Scotland.
And the 24-year-old – who is awaiting word on whether Dundee United will offer a deal – admits Butcher was the driving force after a stint at Alloa three years ago.
The attacker, who counts Morecambe, Leyton Orient and Millwall among former clubs, said: “I contacted Terry through a mutual friend and he recommended for me to come to Scotland and have another crack at winning a deal.
“I had a trial with Alloa and Dumbarton three years ago and I have been in Moldova, Malta and in England with Morecambe more recently.
“Terry’s advice was to get playing as soon as possible and he told me Scotland was the ideal place to do that then the national side would have a look at me after that.
“I’m on trial with Dundee United and awaiting an answer from them. I had a chat with the boss Csaba Laszlo and he knows I just
want to be playing football now as I am 24.”
Now he’s hoping input from former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Rangers No.2 Archie Knox can make sure his time in Scotland isn’t a flying visit.
Gilmar said: “I’m known in the Philippines and I just want to try to impress the international manager.
“The Ultimate Soccer exit trial has helped me as my confidence has developed and just meeting Archie and hearing his story is inspiring.
“The exit trial has got me going and psyched up. Hopefully I can get a contract with a club at the end of it all.”
Ultimate Soccer director George Paterson said the latest technology is being used to show scouts in to watch the likes of Gilmar what they’re getting.
He said: “They’ve all been measured up with stat cards so everybody can see the physical shape they are in.
“This week we have tried to turn them into a team and that is where a legend of the game, Archie Knox, fits in. You can only learn from somebody like him.
“If we manage to get just one of these boys a contract then that will be a success. We expect to do more of this in the future.
Head of Global FC David Gillies said: “This is all about giving players the opportunity and platform to show what they can do.”
ARCHIE KNOX